The Ocean Cruising Club—a multinational organization aimed at fostering connection and ambition among bluewater voyagers—celebrated 19 members of the marine community in their annual awards this week. The two top prizes, The OCC Seamanship Award and the OCC Lifetime Award, went to British offshore racer Pip Hare and Canadian logistics expert Victor Wejer, respectively.
Hare dismasted during the 2024/25 edition of the Vendée Globe approximately 800 miles south of Australia. The then-50-year-old cut away the majority of her rig with a hacksaw but saved the boom, furlers, and one outrigger to jury rig a mast that could fly her trysail. She made landfall in Melbourne nearly two weeks later.
“I am very humbled to receive this award from OCC,” says Hare, who is already seeking sponsorship for the 2028 race.
Lifetime Award recipient Wejer was celebrated for his service to the community, specifically those transiting the fabled Northwest Passage. An OCC port officer representative based in Ontario, Canada, he has provided guidance to over 100 sailors transiting the icy high latitudes.
“I have gotten many calls from adventurers wanting to make the Northwest Passage,” he says. “For most, I strongly advise them to stay away. A perfect crossing will have no story to tell at the end. No problems. No issues.”
Nominations for these awards are made by OCC members, and selection is by an experienced panel of bluewater cruisers and approved by the OCC General Committee. Other trophies awarded in 2024 include:
Vasey Vase: Tim Riley and Carol Osborne
OCC Jester Award: Jacqueline Evers
David Wallis Trophy: Wim and Elisabeth van Blaricum
Water Music Trophy: Carla Gregory and Alex Helbig
OCC Award (members): Zdenka Griswold; Bill Weigel
OCC Award (open): Jesse and Sharon Rose James with the Trinidad Operations Centre; Bob Bradfield
Qualifier’s Mug: Fabian Fernandez
OCC Events and Rallies Award: Reg Barker
OCC Environmental Award: Ivar Smits and Floris van Hees
Port Officer Service Award: Cristian Yanzer
The Ocean Cruising Club represents 61 nationalities among its 3,700 members and has 270 port officers in 100 countries. To qualify, members must complete a passage of at least 1,000 nautical miles between ports.
For more information, visit oceancruisingclub.org
February 2025
